Skoda has launched its Certified Pre-owned used-car business in India. The programme, previously referenced by Zac Hollis, director, Sales, Service and Marketing, Skoda Auto India at a round table last month, is operational across nine locations with a phased wise expansion set to happen over the next 12 months.

The used car programme is currently available in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Hyderabad, and Goa.

• Will deal not just in used Skoda cars, but other-brand models as well
• Other-brand models to get a warranty of up to 12 months/15,000km
• Used Skoda cars to get a warranty of up to 24 months/1,50,000km

Commenting on the occasion, Hollis said, “The used car business in India has registered multi-fold growth over the past many years. We have also identified an innate demand among pre-owned car buyers for Skoda products owing to its superior build quality, outstanding reliability and impeccable craftsmanship. With Certified Pre-Owned, we venture into the highly lucrative used-car market and open up a new chapter in Skoda Auto’s growth story in India.”

The carmaker says cars in the programme will undergo a comprehensive 160-plus-point inspection prior to being listed for sale. Buyers can browse their model of choice on the certified pre-owned website.

Skoda has also said the website will allow for a ‘digitalised used car buying experience’, including live consultation with sales consultants, technicians and car evaluators, and virtual product demonstrations. Buyers will also be provided with a full service history and mileage certification of the car selected.

Under the programme, buyers will have a range of Skoda and non-Skoda models to choose from. Pre-owned Skoda cars will be available with a warranty cover of up to 24 months or 1.5 lakh kilometres, whichever is earlier, while models from other brands will be covered for up to 12 months or 15,000km. Customers can also purchase a one-year roadside assistance cover.

New Skoda car launches

So far in 2020, Skoda has launched the Rapid TSI, Superb facelift and the all-new Karoq SUV in India. The carmaker had also intended to launch the new Octavia and petrol Kodiaq SUV this year though the plans have been pushed to 2021 owing to delays due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

However, the carmaker’s much awaited India 2.0 plan remains on track, with the Hyundai Creta-rivalling Vision IN mid-size SUV set to arrive in the first half of 2021 and a mid-size sedan to follow by the year’s end.